How To Part Hair For Box Braids
Box braids are protective hairstyle created by sectioning the hair into square-shaped partitions and braiding each section. They have been a popular choice for centuries, and can be worn by people of all ages, hair types, and face shapes. Properly parting the hair is essential for achieving well-defined, even box braids. This article will guide you through the steps on how to part hair for box braids.
Before parting your hair, you should prepare it by washing and detangling it. This will make it easier to section and braid your hair, and will help to prevent breakage. You should also apply a leave-in conditioner or oil to your hair to help moisturize it and make it more manageable.
Once your hair is prepared, you can begin parting it. The size of your braids will depend on the width of your sections and the thickness of your hair. For common medium-sized braids, you will need to make square sections that are about 1 inch wide. To make a section, use a comb to create a horizontal line across your scalp. Then, use your fingers to create two vertical lines that intersect the horizontal line, forming a square.
How to Part Hair for Box Braids
Achieving well-defined, even box braids requires properly parting the hair. Follow these important points to get started:
- Prepare hair
- Section hair
- Use square partitions
Remember to prepare your hair by washing, detangling, and applying a leave-in conditioner. Use a comb to create square sections that are about 1 inch wide, with two vertical lines intersecting a horizontal line.
Prepare Hair
Properly preparing your hair before parting it for box braids is essential for achieving a neat and long-lasting style. Follow these steps to prepare your hair:
1. Wash and detangle your hair:
Shampoo and condition your hair as usual to remove any dirt, oil, or product buildup. Make sure to use a gentle shampoo and conditioner that is designed for your hair type. Rinse your hair thoroughly and towel dry it.
2. Apply a leave-in conditioner or oil:
After towel drying your hair, apply a leave-in conditioner or oil to help moisturize and detangle your hair. This will make it easier to part your hair and create even braids. You can use a store-bought leave-in conditioner or oil, or you can make your own using natural ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, or argan oil.
3. Detangle your hair gently:
Use a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush to gently remove any knots or tangles from your hair. Start from the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots. Be patient and gentle to avoid breakage.
4. Blow dry your hair (optional):
If your hair is thick or curly, you may want to blow dry it before parting it. This will help to stretch your hair and make it easier to section. Use a low heat setting and hold the blow dryer at least 6 inches away from your hair to avoid damage.
Once you have prepared your hair, you can begin parting it for box braids. Remember to use a sharp comb and to create square sections that are about 1 inch wide. With proper preparation, you can achieve well-defined, even box braids that will last for weeks.
Section Hair
Once your hair is prepared, you can begin sectioning it for box braids. The size of your braids will depend on the width of your sections and the thickness of your hair. For common medium-sized braids, you will need to make square sections that are about 1 inch wide.
To make a section, follow these steps:
1. Create a horizontal line:
Use a sharp comb to create a horizontal line across your scalp. The line should be straight and even. You can use a mirror to help you see the back of your head.
2. Create two vertical lines:
Use your fingers to create two vertical lines that intersect the horizontal line, forming a square. The vertical lines should be parallel to each other and the same distance apart.
3. Continue sectioning:
Repeat steps 1 and 2 to create additional sections across your scalp. Work from the front of your head to the back, and from one side to the other. Make sure that the sections are all the same size and shape.
4. Secure the sections:
Once you have sectioned your entire head, secure each section with a hair tie or clip. This will help to keep the sections in place while you are braiding.
With proper sectioning, you can achieve well-defined, even box braids. Remember to use a sharp comb and to create square sections that are about 1 inch wide. Be patient and careful, and you will be able to create beautiful box braids that will last for weeks.
Use Square Partitions
Using square partitions is essential for achieving well-defined, even box braids. Square partitions create a uniform foundation for the braids, which helps to prevent them from looking messy or uneven.
To use square partitions, follow these steps:
1. Make sure your hair is properly sectioned:
Before you can use square partitions, you need to make sure that your hair is properly sectioned. Follow the steps in the previous section to section your hair into square sections that are about 1 inch wide.
2. Use a sharp comb:
When creating the square partitions, it is important to use a sharp comb. A sharp comb will help to create clean, straight lines. Avoid using a dull comb, as this can cause the hair to fray or break.
3. Create a horizontal line:
Use the sharp comb to create a horizontal line across the section of hair. The line should be straight and even. You can use a mirror to help you see the back of your head.
4. Create two vertical lines:
Use the sharp comb to create two vertical lines that intersect the horizontal line, forming a square. The vertical lines should be parallel to each other and the same distance apart.
5. Continue creating square partitions:
Repeat steps 3 and 4 to create additional square partitions across the section of hair. Make sure that the partitions are all the same size and shape.
Once you have created square partitions across the entire section of hair, you can begin braiding. By using square partitions, you will be able to create box braids that are neat, even, and long-lasting.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to part hair for box braids:
Question 1: How wide should the square partitions be?
Answer 1: The width of the square partitions will depend on the desired size of the box braids. For common medium-sized braids, the square partitions should be about 1 inch wide.
Question 2: What kind of comb should I use to create the square partitions?
Answer 2: It is important to use a sharp comb to create the square partitions. A sharp comb will help to create clean, straight lines. Avoid using a dull comb, as this can cause the hair to fray or break.
Question 3: How can I make sure that the square partitions are even and uniform?
Answer 3: To ensure that the square partitions are even and uniform, use a ruler or measuring tape to measure the width of each partition. You can also use a mirror to help you see the back of your head and make sure that the partitions are straight.
Question 4: What should I do if my hair is too short to create square partitions?
Answer 4: If your hair is too short to create square partitions, you can try using a different braiding technique, such as cornrows or flat twists. You can also wait until your hair grows longer before attempting to create box braids.
Question 5: Can I use square partitions to create box braids on natural hair?
Answer 5: Yes, you can use square partitions to create box braids on natural hair. However, it is important to make sure that your hair is properly moisturized and detangled before braiding. You can also use a leave-in conditioner or oil to help keep your hair healthy and prevent breakage.
Question 6: How long do box braids usually last?
Answer 6: Box braids can usually last for 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how well they are maintained. To keep your box braids looking neat and fresh, be sure to wash and condition your hair regularly, and avoid using harsh shampoos or conditioners.
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By following these tips, you can achieve well-defined, even box braids that will last for weeks. If you have any other questions, be sure to consult with a professional hairstylist.
Now that you know how to part hair for box braids, you can learn how to braid them. Be sure to check out our article on how to braid box braids for more information.
Tips
Here are some tips for parting hair for box braids:
Tip 1: Use a sharp comb:
When creating the square partitions, it is important to use a sharp comb. A sharp comb will help to create clean, straight lines. Avoid using a dull comb, as this can cause the hair to fray or break.
Tip 2: Be patient and take your time:
Parting hair for box braids can be a time-consuming process, but it is important to be patient and take your time. Rushing through the process can lead to uneven or crooked partitions, which will result in messy-looking braids.
Tip 3: Use a mirror to help you see the back of your head:
If you are parting your hair by yourself, it can be helpful to use a mirror to help you see the back of your head. This will ensure that you are creating even and uniform partitions all over your head.
Tip 4: Secure the partitions with hair ties or clips:
Once you have created the square partitions, secure them with hair ties or clips. This will help to keep the partitions in place while you are braiding. You can also use a spray bottle filled with water to help keep the hair in place.
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By following these tips, you can achieve well-defined, even box braids that will last for weeks. If you have any other questions, be sure to consult with a professional hairstylist.
Now that you know how to part hair for box braids, you can learn how to braid them. Be sure to check out our article on how to braid box braids for more information.
Conclusion
Parting hair for box braids is an important step that should not be overlooked. By following the steps and tips outlined in this article, you can achieve well-defined, even box braids that will last for weeks.
To summarize the main points:
- Prepare your hair by washing, detangling, and applying a leave-in conditioner or oil.
- Section your hair into square partitions using a sharp comb.
- Make sure that the square partitions are even and uniform in size and shape.
- Secure the partitions with hair ties or clips to keep them in place while braiding.
With a little practice, you will be able to part your hair for box braids quickly and easily. So what are you waiting for? Grab a comb and get started!
We hope this article has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave a comment below or consult with a professional hairstylist.
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